October 1, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional :- CHRIST DIED TO FREE CAPTIVES
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER {July ~ Dec., 2020}
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Nigeria’s Independence Day
TOPIC: CHRIST DIED TO FREE CAPTIVES
Read Hebrews 2:14-18
[14]Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15]And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
[16]For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
[17]Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18]For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
MEMORISE: And release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:15)
EXPOSITION
The author of Hebrews uses Hebrews 2:15 as another word of exhortation. The aspect of death that was so fearful is a bit hard to understand, as it could be one of many things. Some Bible students say that death was feared by the readers because, as Hebrews 10:27 brings out, the judgment following death was fearful. Other students suggest that the hearers feared the means of death as they were facing heavy persecution, which made them want to back down and abandon the faith. Still others argued that what was fearful about death was simply the lack of assurance regarding where the soul would end up after life. Hebrews 2:15 reminds that Christ has made a way to glory and a way for humans to enter the presence of God in the heavenly realms. It is a call not to fear death, for the sting of death has been permanently removed. Isn’t that wonderful?
Therefore, the question comes to you today: What aspect of death is so fearful to you? Is it the judgment following death? Paul says, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Or, is it the means of death that is so frightening to you? Listen: And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Or still, is it the fear of where your soul will go after life? Hear this: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the death in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
As we celebrate the independence of Nigeria from the colonial rule, let us continue to remember that Christ died to set free captives from the fear of death. This is the greatest freedom that man can experience. Have you experienced it in Christ?
PRAYER POINTS
1. Take a moment today and praise the Lord for saving your soul from the power of the devil and death.
2. Pray for those around you who do not know the Lord; ask God to reveal Himself to them, bringing them to the knowledge of His salvation.
3. Pray that as Nigeria celebrates her 60th independence anniversary, God would visit her with the need deliverance in all aspects that would bring true development, giving power into the hands of the masses.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Ecclesiastes 12; Song of Solomon 1 – 3
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!